Almost two-thirds of Americans drink alcohol which means that if you get into the mobile bar industry, you could potentially serve 66% of the entire nation’s population!
In today’s event climate, you should look beyond the typical bartending and alcohol serving businesses, as those are quite overdone. Instead, think about starting a mobile bartending business since it’s more out of the box and gives you more flexibility to go to clients who need you!
Do you now want to know how to start a mobile bar business? Then you’re in the right place. Here’s a complete guide you can use for success.
Do Research and Plan Your Business
As you might imagine, there’s a wide demographic of people you can serve with your mobile bar. However, you shouldn’t try to stretch yourself too thin. Instead, do some research first to narrow down your niche.
Perform market research and analyze your target market, competitors, and potential client base. What demands in specific areas are you seeing? For example, do people want bar drinks at weddings, festivals, or corporate events?
After identifying these things, you can decide what will set your mobile bar apart by determining your unique selling proposition (USP). Ideas here include:
- Drink offerings
- Bartending flair
- Design of the bar
- A unique theme
Next up is your business plan. Put down your goals, target audience, services offered, operational costs, pricing structure, and marketing strategies. You can then use this business plan to stay on course and to approach investors or lenders if you need funding.
Address Legal Requirements and Permits
To start any business, you’ll have to choose the structure that’s right for you. The main ones are sole proprietorship, corporation, and limited liability company (LLC). Most small business owners go for the last option since it gives you a good balance of ease of formation and protection.
If you need help selecting an entity type or already feel ready to create a company, then use our free business registration service. We serve all 50 states, and you only need to cover the state fees.
As far as mobile bar requirements go, it’ll depend on where you’re based. There are numerous local laws regarding:
- Liquor licenses
- Business licenses
- Food handling permits
It may be worth booking an appointment with a business/law professional to ensure that you’re not missing anything crucial.
If you’re planning on hiring staff, then you’ll have to apply for an employer identification number (EIN). You can use this number to apply for a business bank account and to report your taxes every year.
In addition, don’t skimp on insurance; not only is it legally required in many cases, but it can also save you from financial crises. Some key ones to have are liability, liquor liability, and vehicle insurance.
Choose the Right Mobile Bar Setup
Mobile bars are very similar to food trucks, which means that there are several ways you can set up your company.
The first order of business is deciding on the type of mobile unit. A safe bet is a mobile bar trailer, although you can get vans, carts, or even converted vintage vehicles. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s functional and easy to transport.
Once you have your mobile unit, you can proceed with the bar design. Not only should it be visually appealing, but it should also have enough space for bartenders, refrigeration units, and storage for alcohol and supplies.
Design Your Menu
You should design a drink menu that fits your target clientele. To cater to large audiences, you should offer a mix of popular cocktails, signature drinks, and even non-alcoholic options for those who want to abstain.
If you’re planning on having bites as well, then ensure they complement the drinks you’re serving. That way, your clients will have an overall experience that’s beyond satisfactory.
Get Equipment, Supplies, and Inventory
It’s essential that you invest in high-quality equipment, such as:
- Portable coolers
- Ice makers
- Bar tools
- Glassware
- POS systems
These items may cost more upfront, but the money spent will pay off when they last for years to come.
When planning inventory, do it carefully to avoid both overstocking and running out of popular drinks. Consider seasonal variations and event-specific demands.
Set Your Pricing
Now that you have a general idea of what drinks/food you’ll serve, the equipment you’ll buy, and what type of mobile unit you’ll have, you can set your prices.
Calculate your costs, including alcohol, staff wages, fuel, permits, and insurance. Factoring in all these costs will help you set competitive prices while still covering your expenses.
Weigh up your pricing models too. Options include charging per drink, hour, or event. Some companies have packages with set numbers of drinks or an open bar option, so you can do the same as well.
Market Your Mobile Bar Business
Before you market your company, you need to do small business branding. Create a memorable brand name, logo, and theme. Your overall branding should appeal to your target audience and reflect your company’s vibe.
With branding done, you can then build a website to list your services and contact information. Make sure to use social media platforms to promote your business and engage with potential customers.
You can also partner with event planners, wedding venues, and other vendors to reach larger audiences. To encourage these partnerships, offer commissions or referral incentives.
Hire Staff and Handle Logistics and Operations
Look for experienced and licensed bartenders who can handle a fast-paced environment. After all, they’ll be serving large crowds of thirsty people, so they shouldn’t crack under pressure. Plus, you should train them to provide exceptional customer service, and ensure they understand local alcohol laws so you don’t get in legal trouble.
Avoid overworking your staff by keeping an eye on event sizes. Don’t be afraid to hire additional help for setup, serving, or cleanup.
To keep everything organized, create a system for scheduling events and managing bookings. Make sure your mobile bar can handle multiple events if needed.
And don’t forget to plan out how you’ll be transporting your bar to and from events. Factor in fuel costs, maintenance, and parking permits.
That’s How to Start a Mobile Bar Business
The steps in how to start a mobile bar business may be a little more complicated than you had initially thought. You can’t just buy a trailer and some boxes of alcohol, and then set up shop immediately.
However, with adequate research and planning, you can build a successful mobile bar business that caters to a wide range of clients and events. Before you know it, you’ll be the name on everyone’s lips when it comes to alcohol catering.
Sign up with Business Anywhere today to make your dream mobile bar business come to life. Our expertise and low-cost services will enable you to become a thriving business owner.
